Home › Weather › Under The Weather
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Story Native weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
“Under the weather” means feeling slightly ill or below par, typically from a cold or minor ailment. The live forecast above shows today’s conditions, but the phrase itself describes how you feel rather than the weather outside.
What does “under the weather” actually mean?
The idiom “under the weather” is a casual way to say you feel sick, tired, or out of sorts. It is most often used for temporary illness — “I am feeling under the weather today” — rather than serious medical conditions. It is common in British English and implies a mild, passing discomfort, often linked to colds, headaches, or fatigue.
Where does the phrase come from?
The “under the weather” origin is believed to be nautical: sailors who felt unwell would go below deck to escape rough seas, literally “under the weather” (the weather referring to the wind and waves). By the 1800s, the term had spread ashore as a general synonym for feeling ill.
Is “under the weather” only for physical illness?
It can also describe feeling emotionally low or exhausted, but the most common under the weather meaning is physical sickness. In casual conversation, it usually refers to colds, headaches, or tiredness.
What is a good under the weather synonym?
Common under the weather synonyms include “off-colour”, “rough”, “peaky”, or “feeling washed out”. Example: “I’m feeling a bit off-colour today” works the same way in everyday speech.
Can you give an under the weather example sentence?
A typical under the weather sentence: “I think I’ll stay home tonight because I’m feeling under the weather.” It’s a polite way to excuse yourself without giving full medical details.
If the live forecast above suggests rain or cold, that might increase your chances of feeling under the weather. For a broader view of conditions near you, check the UK weather hub or the 10 day weather forecast for your area.